Week 17 has a very different feeling this year for the Los Angeles Rams than it did a year ago. Last season, the Rams went into the final game knowing they’d be the third or fourth seed no matter what. They were relaxed and content with resting their starters, fully understanding that they’d be hosting a wild-card game regardless of how Week 17 played out.

This time around, there’s an added sense of urgency. The Rams currently hold the No. 2 seed, but if they lose and the Bears win, they’ll go from getting a first-round bye to playing next Saturday or Sunday. That’s exactly why Sean McVay can’t afford to rest any starters against the 49ers in the season finale.

McVay seems OK with that and actually prefers the Rams’ positioning this year over the approach a season ago.

“I would say this: I like this situation a lot better than last year,” McVay said in his press conference Friday. “Certainly, everything is a learning opportunity. But, last year provided a little bit different approach. This year, we’re going to do everything that we can in our power to try to go win against a tough football team that is very well coached, good players and we’ve got to be ready to go in the Coliseum.”

The Rams had one of their worst games of the year against the Falcons in the wild-card round, falling 26-13 at home. They turned it over twice, made mental errors on numerous occasions and simply looked out of sync. Not to mention, McVay inexplicably went away from Gurley despite him having success, carrying it just 14 times for 101 yards.

Some say the Rams came out flat and were rusty after resting starters in Week 17, taking away some of the momentum they had developed after wins over the Seahawks and Titans. That won’t be the case this year because the Rams are doing everything they can to win on Sunday, which keeps the level of intensity high.

(Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

“I think the natural edge, the urgency is still up,” McVay added. “Whereas last year, just human nature when you rest guys – different things like that – it was a great opportunity where a lot of guys got a chance to compete. I think you always like to be able to compete to go win, do the best that you can, compete to the best of our ability.”

If the Rams win, they’ll get their week of rest on Wild Card Weekend, going straight to the divisional round. With Todd Gurley reeling and clearly needing a break, a Week 17 win just became even more crucial.

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